I've another errand for you, my boy. You're
to go on foot, and you're to take this dispatch to Admiral Porter,
who commands the iron-clads in the river near the city. Conceal it
carefully about you, but I anticipate no great danger for you, as
Vicksburg is pretty well surrounded by our forces."
The dispatch was written on thin, oiled paper. Dick hid it away in the
lining of his coat and departed upon another important mission, full of
pride that he should be chosen for it. He had all the passwords and
carried two good pistols in his belt. Rich in experience, he felt able
to care for himself, even should the peril be greater than Colonel
Winchester had expected.
The sun was not far above the horizon but it was warm and brilliant,
and it lighted up the earth, throwing a golden glow over the plateau of
Vicksburg, the great maze of ravines and thickets and the many waters.
He passed along the lines, walking rapidly southward, and saw more than
one officer of his acquaintance. Hertford's cavalry were in a field,
and the colonel himself sat on a portion of the rail fence that had
enclosed it.
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